[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 20, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S3179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HARRISBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, I wish to recognize the Harrisburg 
Regional Chamber on its 100th anniversary.
  The Harrisburg Regional Chamber was established in 1914 by a group of 
local businessmen whose goal was to promote and grow Harrisburg's 
manufacturing and distribution industries. Since then, the Harrisburg 
Regional Chamber has been a catalyst for smart public policy, job 
creation, and business growth in central Pennsylvania. Starting with 
200 initial members, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber has grown to 
represent 1,300 members who employ nearly 100,000 people in the capital 
city region.
  Over the course of its 100 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber has 
played a key role in the planning and development of numerous 
construction and infrastructure projects in the region. Without the 
chamber's assistance, historic structures such as the Penn-Harris Hotel 
may not have ever been built. The chamber was also instrumental in 
developing the region's first airport in 1930. Additionally, the 
chamber backed U.S. military construction projects at Olmstead Army Air 
Depot in Middletown, the U.S. Army General Depot at New Cumberland Army 
Depot, and at Carlisle Barracks.
  Since 2001, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber has completed 355 
projects, which have had an overall economic impact of $416 million and 
assisted businesses throughout the region create and retain over 12,500 
jobs.
  The Harrisburg Regional Chamber is dedicated to the success of the 
community and the members it represents. It continues to strive toward 
the fulfillment of its core mission by adhering to a set of fundamental 
values: excellence, leadership, inclusion, innovation, and fun.
  Today, I want to recognize the significant contributions that the 
Harrisburg Regional Chamber makes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
I wish the chamber all the best as it continues its efforts to lead by 
example with a vision for a better future for all and as it continues 
to grow and serve central Pennsylvania. Thank you.

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